The first week of NFL free agency is in the books and the results have been hit and miss for the LA Chargers. While there have been several savvy signings, the Chargers have not addressed every roster need on the team.
While there are more moves to make before the 2025 NFL Draft, this first week of free agency will have a massive impact on the Chargers' draft agenda. Fans now have a more complete look at the Chargers roster, and what areas the team may pursue in the draft.
Using Pro Football Focus' Mock Draft Simulator, we factored in the Chargers' free-agent signings thus far to create a new three-round mock draft.
Chargers mock draft after first week of NFL free agency:
Chargers draft Michigan TE Colston Loveland with 22nd pick
Drafting Colston Loveland in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft may be a necessity for the Chargers. The Chargers have struck out at the tight end position this offseason and need a true TE1 to raise the ceiling of the offense.
The 2025 class is deep at tight end and the Bolts can land a pass-catching option with potential in the mid-rounds. However, taking mid-rounds tight ends comes with variance, whereas there is no variance involved with Loveland.
Loveland has all the makings of being the next-great pass-catching tight end and could become a foundational part of the Chargers' offense. If he is on the board at 22 there is absolutely no doubt the Chargers should (and likely will) select him.
The only question is whether or not he will actually be available at pick No. 22. If not, the Bolts will be forced to pivot.
Chargers draft Ohio State EDGE Jack Sawyer with 55th pick
Re-signing Khalil Mack was the Chargers' first move when the legal tampering window opened last Monday. Even with Mack back in the fold, the Chargers have a need at edge rusher that should not be ignored in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Chargers are at a crossroads where they need to add more depth for the 2025 season but also need more long-term options. Mack's deal is of the one-year variety and his tenure with the team is not guaranteed past the 2025 season.
Jack Sawyer is a menacing edge rusher who plays the brand of football Jim Harbaugh loves. Sawyer is arguably the best run defender off the edge in this entire draft class, which will play nicely as an early-down rotational edge rusher for the Bolts.
Sawyer has legitimate potential as a pass rusher but his traits in that area would take more time to develop. The Chargers represent a perfect situation for him to make an impact in his rookie year before developing into someone even more well-rounded in 2026 and beyond.
Chargers draft Georgia OL Tate Ratledge with 86th pick
The Chargers bolstered the offensive line by signing Mekhi Becton to be the new starting right guard. Becton will have a big impact replacing Trey Pipkins on the starting offensive line but it will not be enough.
Los Angeles needs to find a new starting center this offseason. The team surprisingly re-signed last year's starter, Bradley Bozeman, but there is not a single member of the fanbase that wants to see Bozeman start. Bozeman was one of the worst starting centers in the entire league last season.
That is where Tate Ratledge comes in. The Georgia guard has positional versatility and worked out at center during the NFL Combine. Ratledge could be the team's starting center next season, but also opens the door for other options.
The Chargers have also flirted with the idea of playing Zion Johnson at center. With Ratledge, the Chargers would have the flexibility to play Johnson at center and Ratledge at left guard if that was the better outlook for the team.